ANTIQUE ORIGINAL JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINT BY UTAGAWA YOSHITORA (1836-1882) TITLED YOUNG FOREIGNER,

拍品描述

An antique, original Yokohama-e woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshitora (1836-1882), depicting a Western foreign resident strolling with a black dog, carrying a lantern and a handled basket. The figure is rendered in Western-influenced attire interpreted through a Japanese artistic lens, reflecting the fascination and curiosity surrounding foreign residents in Japan following the opening of treaty ports. An inset landscape vignette in the upper left depicts a fenced embankment, lined with trees and lantern posts, populated by Japanese onlookers. This is an established narrative device within Yokohama-e that underscores cross-cultural encounter and observation. The composition, restrained caricature, and controlled palette are characteristic of Yoshitora’s documented Yokohama output. Yokohama-e prints emerged in the late Edo period as visual records of Japan’s first sustained contact with Western merchants and diplomats after centuries of isolation. Scenes depicting foreigners with animals, particularly dogs, were especially popular, emphasizing perceived cultural differences and modern customs. The condition of this print show overall toning, scattered foxing, surface wear, edge wear, and areas of paper thinning. There is evidence of prior backing and handling. Despite condition issues typical of Yokohama-e prints of this period, the image remains clear, with legible cartouches, seals, and strong compositional integrity. It is double matted and framed under acrylic in an ornate, golden frame. With frame, it measures 21 inches x 25 inches. This piece was acquired from a Metro Washington DC estate., 21IN x 25IN (53cm x 63cm), LOT REF #25-232

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